Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Nursing Assistant Certified

Commonly referred to as CNAs, Nursing Assistants work directly with patients in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

nac class

NACs are qualified to work under the direction of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses and assist in the care of clients in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

Graduates learn to maintain a safe environment for the client, provide restorative care, and communicate with clients, and understand basic concepts of care.

Concurrent Certifications

Upon successful completion of the NAC program, students will hold the following included certifications:

American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Card
Nursing Assistant Registered
Nursing Assistant Certified

Department of Health Credential Search

Program Length

The NAC program runs approximately one college quarter and is offered both day and night each quarter during the academic year.

Program Certification

This course is approved and certified by both the Washington State Department of Health and Department of Social and Health Services. Upon successful completion of the Nursing Assistant Certified training program, students are eligible to take the National Nursing Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam and to become licensed in Washington State.

NAC Duties

Turn and reposition bedridden clients, alone or with assistance, to prevent bedsores
Answer clients call signals
Feed clients who are unable to feed themselves
Observe clients conditions, measuring and recording food and liquid intake and output, vital signs and report changes to professional staff
Provide clients with help walking, exercising, and moving in and out of bed
Bathe, groom, shave, dress, and/or drape clients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination
Collect specimens such as urine, feces, or sputum
Prepare, serve and collect food trays
Clean rooms and change linens

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the NAC program?

There is no application to enter this program. You do not need to attend academic advising and you do not need to take any placement tests, unless you are pursuing further education into the Registered Nursing (RN) program.

Once registration opens, you need to register for the class schedule that works best for you. Classes often fill up quickly after registration opens. Be sure that you are ready to register on the correct day and at the right time .

Are there any prerequisites?

There are no prerequisites for the NAC program.

Do I need a diploma or GED to take the program?

No, neither is required to enter the NAC program. However, it may help you be more competitive in the job market.

The class I want to take is full. Can I be added to a wait list?

Yes, you can call the Workforce Education Office (360-623-8963) to be placed on an interest list. We call students on a first-come, first-served basis from the interest list if an opening occurs.

An opening may occur on the first day of class, so students need to be prepared to register, pay, and attend class the next day after being offered the opening. Students will not be added after the third class day.

Do you offer online classes?

No, we do not offer online classes for the NAC program. This program is a combined lecture and skills course, requiring students to be present in the classroom and learning lab.

Will you help me find a job after I complete the program?

No, we do not offer job placement for our students, and we also do not have job placement rates for our students. However, some students do get hired at our clinical facilities. Many other facilities in the area express interest in our students. A job posting board is located in the Technology Center room 114.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, students can apply for financial aid.

What is the minimum age?

We do not recommend this program for anyone under the age of 17. Most nursing facilities only hire NACs who are 17-years old or older.

Contact

Career & Technical Education
Tech (TEC) Building, Room 114
360-623-8963
cte@centralia.edu

Lorri Speer
Program Director/Faculty
Office: SWFT Center
360-623-8619
Email Lorri Speer